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TMC Moves to Set EDI Parts Buying Standards

The ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council is moving to establish standards for the use of EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) in the parts order process.

EDI is used for many business communications functions, including logistics transactions.At the TMC’s recent meeting in Tucson, Ariz., a TMC study group authorized a formal joint task force with EDI service company HDeXchange Inc. Edward Kuo of HDeXchange will chair the task force. According to a task force memo to heavy duty fleet executives, the task force will seek ways to increase electronic capabilities between fleets and parts suppliers, establish standard formats and fields for transactions and encourage adherence to those standards. Work will begin with purchase orders then move on to invoicing.

The task force will meet on August 13 at the Austell, Ga., service center of Southeastern Freight Lines to generate a first-draft of standards. Members will then work via email and conference call to finalize documents for approval at TMC’s next meeting in Charlotte, N.C., Oct. 14-17.